Local & Regional

11:50 am

Wed October 9, 2013

Probe of Tulsa Dentist Could Last Months Longer

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A state official says it could take several more months until an investigation into a Tulsa-area oral surgeon accused of maintaining filthy office conditions is finished.

Oklahoma Board of Dentistry Executive Director Susan Rogers says her office continues to receive complaints from former patients of Dr. W. Scott Harrington. She says a criminal case against him is still possible.

State health inspectors shut down Harrington's clinic March 28 after finding unsanitary conditions.

A 17-count complaint filed by the state said officials found rusty instruments, potentially contaminated drug vials and improper use of a machine designed to sterilize tools at Harrington's two Tulsa-area offices.

Last month, investigators said Harrington was responsible for the nation's first transmission of hepatitis C between patients in a dental office.